Hi friends!

It feels so lovely to be writing to you again- it feels like no time at all, but also like lots of change has happened both for you and for me as well.

Firstly, thanks so much for everyone who was able to make my licensing service at St Mary Redcliffe- to see so many friendly and familiar faces gave me a real boost and really encouraged me. It’s such a great reminder of the family of God of which we are all apart of and that even though I don’t see you all as regularly, we are still family.

I hope, like me, you are all noticing the signs of Spring in the air. The slightly milder temperature (!), the beautiful daffodils and tulips are on their way. I think that the Spring season appearing is such an important part of our Lenten journey. It reminds us that new life is on the way and to begin to gently shift our focus from penitence to hope. I wonder if you gave something up or took something up for Lent and how is it going? For some, it might be an established new routine now and for others you did it for a few days or weeks and that felt enough. Whatever your Lent journey has been like, I pray that as you see these signs of Spring it reminds you of the joy that has come and is coming in knowing Jesus.

I’m so happy to be back this Sunday at the 10.30am for the All Age Communion Service. We will be thinking about Ezekiel’s prophecy of the valley of the dry bones and how God can refresh, rebuild and renew something with God’s breath of life. A perfect reminder and link to the signs of Spring!

I look forward to touching base with you this weekend,

In love and prayers

Laura